First DSLR-- which to buy??

[pmsnycpsu]

I've spent some time reading over the threads and could use some more specific recommendations to my needs so decided to post!

Right now I use a rebel 2000 base (35mm) for most of my shots and have several expensive canon lenses for it. I really want to move to digital so have been looking at canon models since i already have the lenses for them. My budget is fairly limited (under $1000) so have been focusing on the drebel and drebel xt... however i'm open to other suggestions within my price range.

I could use some help here specifically with which cameras meet my needs. My primary goals here are
1. a camera that takes the shot when i press the trigger, with minimal delay.
2. enough resolution to blow up to 8x10 with no effect on image.

Any suggestions?? Thanks!

[nate]

I've spent some time reading over the threads and could use some more specific recommendations to my needs so decided to post!

Right now I use a rebel 2000 base (35mm) for most of my shots and have several expensive canon lenses for it. I really want to move to digital so have been looking at canon models since i already have the lenses for them. My budget is fairly limited (under $1000) so have been focusing on the drebel and drebel xt... however i'm open to other suggestions within my price range.

I could use some help here specifically with which cameras meet my needs. My primary goals here are
1. a camera that takes the shot when i press the trigger, with minimal delay.
2. enough resolution to blow up to 8x10 with no effect on image.

Any suggestions?? Thanks!

Given that you already have Canon lenses, it would not make any sense to buy into another manufacturer's system. Canon stays on the cutting edge, and is a super-popular choice for pros and amateurs. You won't regret getting one of their DSLRs.

As far as the two models you mentioned... the XT has slightly shorter shutter delay than the DRebel, but buth are speedy compared to a compact digicam. And any DSLR can easily do 8x10 prints.

The XT is my first SLR and I love it! I chose it over the original Rebel for the increased features (even though some could be onlocked on the original), better performance at higher ISO, quicker startup and review times, and the higher resolution is nice too.

[timmciglobal]

The 2000 takes EF mount lenses?

8 megapixels on the XT prints an 8X11.5 at 300 DPI without any upsizing.

expect to have to sharpen your images though after taking them, this isn't a point and shoot they come out looking "Soft and flat" generally.

Tim

[pmsnycpsu]

thanks, that's helpful... yeah my rebel 2000 has a speedlite 420ex flash, a cheap 50mm f/1.8 II, ef 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II usm zoom lens, a macro lens, and a telephoto which i can't remember details on right now.

so if i get the original rebel dslr, then will i be able to crop and blow up to 8x10? not sure how the mps work on that... thanks!

[Rhys]

I'd say use the XT unless you want to get the 20D (which IMHO will be replaced soon).

[timmciglobal]

The original rebel is fine but the XT is superior in that it supports higher megapixels, AI servo, better noise, pretty much overall better camera.

Unless its a money issue XT > Rebel.

Tim

[Clyde]

The original rebel is fine but the XT is superior in that it supports higher megapixels, AI servo, better noise, pretty much overall better camera.

Unless its a money issue XT > Rebel.

Tim

Two differences tim left out: 1: The xt has faster burst and buffer emptying. 2: The xt is smaller.

The idea of purposely buying a bigger object to perform the same functions not as well as a smaller lighter one struck me as odd. However, most people in this forum like bulk and heft. Maybe you should consider bringing the biggest lens you regularly use into a camera shop and trying it on both.

Both are great cameras. Unless high ISO and fast shooting are important to you, I would decide based on price and ergonomics.

Clyde

[Warin]

It isnt a matter of bulk. No one likes carrying around more weight than they have to. If Nikon could make a D70s as sturdy as the current model, but at teh weight of an XT I would be a very happy man :)

It is, for me, ergonomics. When I wrap my hands around an XT, it almost disappears... and I find the command dial to be very annoyingly placed (I prefer the dual wheel system, with the front wheel just below the shutter release). Also, the bottom two fingers of my right hand have nowhere to go when I am holding the XT. A good grip and control of the camera does not always equal the smallest packaging, since I find that the 20D is very well laid out and balanced.

Between the Dreb and the XT, since your budget seems to rule out the 20D, I would say get the XT, but add the grip ASAP.

[Ray Schnoor]

The idea of purposely buying a bigger object to perform the same functions not as well as a smaller lighter one struck me as odd. However, most people in this forum like bulk and heft.
I don't think that it is a matter of "bulk". I haven't held an XT, so this post isn't necessarily about that camera, but about "bulk" in general. I have tried a few cameras with an XD card and my daughter has an MP3 player which uses SD cards. Both of these are much smaller than the CF cards that I use, but I much prefer the CF cards. The XD and SD cards are just too small for my fingers and I fumble with them more than with a CF card. Does this mean I prefer to carry around "bulky" items. No. The same can be said for the XT vs the 20D or the XT vs the D70 or even the XT vs the original dRebel. Maybe it is just easier for some people to work with. Remembering that I have never held an XT, when someone says that it feels too small in their hands, I believe them. I don't necessarily take that to mean that they like to carry around bigger, heavier items.
Ray.

[Rex914]

The 20D is barely out of your range, but while we're at it, it can be had for $1100 after rebate, no tax.

As the others have said, I recommend getting an XT (< $800) with the battery grip ($150). Together those add up to somewhere in the low $900's.